Study Shows Germans Are Leading The Way With User Connectivity Technology

Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz lead other automakers in offering easy-to-use connected features, according to a study conducted in European markets. However, more needs to be done to make customers aware the technology is on board because 39 percent of drivers are unaware of the connectivity options available to them, according to research from TNS and the BearingPoint Institute.

"Our study shows that the German premium OEMs are so far leading the way in terms of the quality and use-ability of their features," Sarah-Jayne Williams, who is a partner at BearingPoint, said in a release. "To really exploit this new era [in connectivity], all OEMs need to invest to ensure customers are aware of and are enjoying these connected features."

atc98092 - 5/23/2016 11:24:10 AM

+2 Boost

My 2014 Passat has a particularly poor quality radio/Nav (RNS-510), that is slow to boot up and sluggish to respond to screen touches. However, the audio quality is quite good, and the Bluetooth is outstanding. Voice response works much better than a brand new Subaru Legacy I drove a couple of weeks ago, both in voice quality and ease of use.

While I like the bells and whistles, I am more concerned that the ones I have work well. With VW, I give Bluetooth 100%, while other areas they are still behind many other manufacturers. Just because a manufacturer may offer more technology, doesn't mean they lead. It has to work well first.

GermanNut - 5/23/2016 2:16:17 PM

+2 Boost

Audi's Virtual Cockpit is awesome!

MrEE - 5/23/2016 6:19:05 PM

+3 Boost

No surprise for "study conducted in European markets".

Vette71 - 5/23/2016 10:24:32 PM

+1 Boost

Tested the Germans before buying GC Summit. U-Connect on the Jeep GC is light years ahead of the Germans in ease of use, connection to other devices and sound system. This article seems to focus on dealer demonstration of the systems before buying. In my my experience none of them did much, but on taking delivery my Jeep dealer spent 1/2 hour going through everything in them.